A couple of years ago, I was struggling with the total frustration of Windows Server 2012's start menu, and Classic Shell came to the rescue. Within minutes of installing, I had my productivity -- and my sanity -- back! I could finally get back to work without the constant struggle.

Fast forward to November 2015, and of course I just "had" to upgrade to Windows 10. Upgrade I did, and for the most part I like it.

However the start menu again has turned out to be a stumbling block. Specifically, I searched and search to find a way to bring back the ever-so-useful "Recent Items" menu. I used the "Recent Items" menu many times a day in Windows 7.

There seemed to be NO WAY to do it in Windows 10. Google search after Google search turned up nothing.

Within seconds (literally) of installing Classic Shell on W10, voila! The old standby "Recent Items" is back, in all its glory. And as a huge bonus I got a Windows-7-like menu with a Windows 10 facelift -- all with every customization I could ever want.

Thanks Classic Shell. I hated Win8. Reinstalled 7 as soon as I tried it. But time marches on and 7 is being cast aside as XP was, So time to find a way to live with it. And frankly, what a POC. Every "improvement" they made, makes using windows more difficult. Wasting days to relearn what, by now, have been the basics.

First, the lack of the Start menu was a paramount DeadFish for me. So, fighting through the resource hogging win update, I tried to get one. I tried some version of Start8 or the like, filled with extra junk it wanted to trick you into downloading, and topping the menu with add buttons. That in itself, maybe I could have hacked past, but it was a huge resource hog on its own.

Whenever You click the start button, you wait, go get a coffee wait. I was born in 64, I DON'T GOT THAT KIND OF TIME. So, Luckily my second attempt, before deleting 8 again, Was ClassicShell's start menu. Perfect, fast and snappy, correct items and locations for me, easy to customize, NO EXTRAS!. Really, that's all I can ask for.

Now the only question, since I opted no when I installed, how can I install the rest of ClassicShell app options without reinstalling my start menu.

Windows 8.x UI was a massive balls up by MS and this hasn't really been addressed in 10 other than a big mad fudge! The efforts by you guys to put back in place the usable interface that MS discarded so foolishly is hugely appreciated! Many thanks for now making the decision to update OS not seem like a shot in the foot!

2 feature requests:

1) Every time I press the "Classic Shell" button, could Steve Balmer receive a mild electric shock?2) To allow me to use Win 10, could you add a "Stop Windows behaving like a Google Product" option to prevent my life being spooled back to MS servers?

These should help Windows get back on track!

Cheers!

I gotta go along with you, Both 1 and 2. Especially #2. For real, software developers, stop stalking us and turning every part of our lives over to the Government(s).

@2) To allow me to use Win 10, could you add a "Stop Windows behaving like a Google Product" option to prevent my life being spooled back to MS servers?

If this is a legitimate feature request, there is a forum for it. and this might be relevant (if you haven't already done it) http://winaero.com/blog/how-to-disable- ... indows-10/ as for googles spying. They offer a 'free' service in a world where nothing is free (yes they have to pay for their servers, and coders) Its only natural they receive some form of compensation. Personally I don't care about aggregate advertisement data. Its when things start getting personal, that it bothers me...(I'm not saying spying is the right course, just the most profitable)

this start menu program is so fast and efficient, I had to create a post for thanking the author for creating such a great software that replaces the old start. It's faster, and the search box is perfect. Exactly how I would have wished! I still can't believe its free. I love the hover to open feature that xp had that .now I have on Windows 7. Also, the author is a great person, answering my personal admin requests to get an account registered correctly. That's off his own time, too.

A friend of mine just told me about Classic Shell and wow! Such an excellent program and its free! I hated Windows 8 and upgraded to Windows 10 and I do like it for the most part except I find the Windows 10 start menu so clunky.

Now I have the option to make my start menu look like the way I want it to! At the moment I have it set as Classic Style with Windows XP Luna skin. Goodbye clunky Windows 10 start menu. And I've donated! Its totally worth it. I've still got to play with Classic Explorer Setting and Classic IE Settings.

This (master)piece of software is the reason that new Windows' (post XP) don't suck. It was worrying change when in Vista/7 you were restricted to use minimal space, but then with Windows 8 came this... something... I think that drugs that were being taken by designers/programmers during brainstorming that lead to that "invention" should be banned if it isn't already a case. And the thing in Windows 10 isn't much better. It's just not fullscreen.

Having a Classic Start Menu made every version of Windows since 7 a more user friendly experience. It shouldn't be a head scratcher to figure out how to start programs and Classic Shell solves a lot of problems for me. Thanks a ton guys!

Thank you to Ivo and everyone else who helps out with Classic Shell. I have been using it for years on my Windows 7 machines and also on my Vista, Seven, 8.1 and Ten VMware Virtual machines. It really looks good and makes my life easier. Microsoft developed the Start Menu with 95 and after XP seem to have lost their way and have completely lost the plot with Windows 10.Indianatone

I am SO grateful for Classic Shell! I stumbled upon it right after Windows 10 automatically installed on my computer in August of 2015 and I was looking online for how to get back to Windows 7 (Restore would not work).

Classic Shell works beautifully with Windows 10 that updated on my 2007 HP Pavilion tower/desktop and I could not restore back to Windows 7 (yes, I tried everything). I know, 2007 is technically "old", but I've done my own upgrades (more RAM, new hard drive, etc) over the years and this PC is working great, especially with Classic Shell!

I'm not a "gamer" or anything like that. I do mostly Microsoft Office documents and machine embroidery digitizing, in addition to email/Internet, so this PC is fine for me (I have a "back-up" two year old AIO Vizio with Windows 8.1 if/when this HP bites the dust).

Two days after Windows 10 updated I tried to restore Windows 7; Windows 10 said that the Windows.old file had been deleted...NO, it had not been. It was right where it should be (I've since renamed the file so Windows 10 wouldn't do the automatic deletion 30 days later).

...the other PCs/laptops in my household are still on Windows 7 & 8.1...I did not allow them to go to Windows 10.

Anyway, had it not been for Classic Shell, I surely would have lost my mind being stuck with Windows 10 on my primary PC. But thankfully, Classic Shell lets me see my old Windows Start Menu, etc. so I didn't have a complete mental meltdown. I continue to try to "like" Windows 10 but without Classic Shell, it just isn't going to happen.

Hello to everyone here! I just found out about Classic Shell, and it's made by a fellow countryman, no less!

I am in awe. Inspired, excited and alive again! Thank you for that!

Yasso

Attachments:

File comment: So inspired that I immediately set to work on my own set of of start buttons. Attaching here, not sure this is the right place though. Enjoy!win_10_start_button_yasso2.png [ 5.6 KiB | Viewed 557868 times ]

_________________Light is an exception, darkness is the rule. Seek out the light.

ClassicShell 4.2.5 went wonky with W10 Upgrade. Tried to install 4.2.5c with message, need to Uninstall.Well, uninstall was not cooperating and after much head scratching. I found CSUtility. Amazing what having the right tool will do...... Thank you!

Edit: just found FAQ's > What is the right way to uninstall Classic Shell?To uninstall Classic Shell follow these steps:

Stop the start menu if it is installed (right-click on the start button and select “Exit”)

hey, classic-shell … just wanted to say i really appreciate your dedication and insight with creating classic-shell. i have read lots of positive feedback on several different forums. also do my part by spreading the word to others less fortunate. if not for classic-shell … i'd still be pulling my hair out with microsoft's funky gimmicks.

you guys have truly given hope to many out there who struggle on a daily basis to make sense of changing attitudes 'n landscapes … we commend you for it. veritably, i woulda' given up on microsoft and switched to mac … had it not been for classic-shell. the volunteers in the forum are well-informed (thanks, ivo) and knowledgeable. if i was a programmer … i'd hop onto the bandwagon and help you guys out even more.

The great shell and a great add on to all windows after 7, even I use it with win 7. It must be used by everyone for windows as it takes very less ram for running. Iam really happy with classicshell. Thank you.

THANK YOU FOR CLASSIC SHELL!!!I can't say it enough, and even though I/my employer donated twice, no amount of praise is enough for you and your company.

I appreciate the dynamic at Microsoft, but I think the Start Menu is a component/element should be largely left alone, due to it being such a familiar element and core feature of the OS. Thankfully, we have ClassicShell around to ensure that such a recognizable element remains a core identifiable feature.

I am so happy to be part of the forum, and be part of the millions that downloaded Classic Shell. I was a big fan of Windows XP, and thanks to this app, it's boosted my way of becoming a graphic designer. I would recommend this 100% to the people that want a little bit of a change to the Start Menu, button, and taskbar.

Once again, thank you so much for creating this application. I would donate if I could, but I need to use my money for other stuff (I'll donate someday, however).

_________________Don't mind me, just your average Indian Tech Support on a forum. My blog: officialrydrblog.blogspot.comDank beats: soundcloud.com/officialnitroedm

Thank you. This product is (1) one of the most important innovations in my day-to-day life in years, and (2) one of the most important stands against the Evil Empire that there is.

If I had money I would give you more of it, but then, if I had money I'd buy a machine from some company not in the Evil Empire. So I gave my five bucks. Drop in the bucket. I thought I was just rewarding some guy that had a clever idea once, but I see now, this is an ongoing fight. Fuck Microsoft. Fuck them with a pointy cactus.

Thank you so much for Classic Shell, without which, I could not function. Microsoft has nerfed their entire operating system since 2008, and it is your program which has restored operation to my computer. I can't imagine ever purchasing a computer in the future without with program onboard. Thank you, thank you, a million times, thank you!! Thank God for you, and for Classic Shell!!!

Oh, and did I mention your customer support outshines Microsoft's 1000 times over?!?!?

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